Despre: "Our business started as a Penny Bazaar in Leeds back in 1884. Discover some of the history and stories that have helped make us who we are today

How about that our scientists worked with the government during WW2 to help with rationing strategy?

Or even that when we were one of the first to introduce 'avocado pears' in 1968 one customer tried to serve it as a dessert with custard?!

Discover our story and unlock the fascinating journey that has made M&S one of Britain’s best loved retailers.

Company Archive The M&S Company Archive is a vital business asset of over 70,000 historical items and acts to collect, preserve and utilise material relating to all aspects of our history and development as a company. One of the richest retail history collections in the country, the Archive collection charts our journey over more than 130 years, from Penny Bazaar to international multichannel retailer.

Our diverse collection of items dates from the start of the company in 1884 and includes written records, staff publications, photographs and films, garments and household products, design and advertising material and much much more. Find out more about the collection using our online catalogue.

Marks in Time: Discover our storyFrom the clothes we wear to the food we eat, you can now experience the M&S journey for yourself at the Marks in Time Exhibition. Based on the University of Leeds campus, the M&S Company Archive is home to the Marks in Time Exhibition which celebrates the M&S story and offers fascinating insights into our changing lifestyles and British social history.

The Archive offers a wide range of activities, from schools and community workshops to special events and a bespoke programme for group visitors; including guided tours, expert talks, free refreshments and our award winning M&S Heritage trail. The Archive is based on the University of Leeds campus and gives researchers and academics from all walks of life the opportunity to directly access the collection through our bookable Reading Room Service.

Kirkgate MarketIn March 2013 we returned to our roots and opened a stall at Kirkgate Market in Leeds, the same place that Michael Marks opened the first Penny Bazaar stall in 1884. Our M&S heritage stall and coffee shop is located right beside the famous M&S clock in the 1904 Kirkgate Market building and marks the starting point of our Heritage Trail." (Sursa: corporate.marksandspencer.com).